Macomb County welcomes America's newest citizens

Farhana Hauue, 21, who came to the United States from Bangladesh was among the 49 people, who were officially sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Clinton Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township. GINA JOSEPH - THE MACOMB DAILY.

Judge George Caram Steeh of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, at left, who administered the oath of allegiance, poses with Rita Tobya of Sterling Heights and her daughter, Dareen.Tobya was one of several new citizens who came from Iraq. GINA JOSEPH - THE MACOMB DAILY.

More than 100 years ago, Szaia and Chana Gold came to the United States from Poland, fleeing the poverty and oppression and to ensure a better future for themselves and their children.

On Friday, their great-grandson greeted the hopeful and soon-to-be Americans.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to Macomb County for this wonderful occasion,” said Steve Gold, Macomb County’s Director of Health and Community Services and member of One Macomb Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, during a naturalization ceremony hosted by the Clinton Macomb Public Library.

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His father and grandfather were born in the United States, but as he told the group of 49 men and women from Romania, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Ireland, Yemen, United Kingdom and a dozen other countries, his great grandparents were naturalized citizens. “They came here to make a better life for themselves and their children just as millions of others have done,” he said. “Those of you who are about to become U.S. citizens today think of this -- maybe a 118 years from now in the year 2134, your great-grandson or great-granddaughter will honor your memory and remember your name with gratitude because it was you who brought the tremendous gift of U.S. citizenship to your family.”

Naturalization ceremonies go on throughout the year at the federal court in Detroit, but once in a while the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is invited to hold a ceremony in the community. “When they get invited, they bring the judge and they transform the room into a court house. Then the immigrants are transformed into citizens,” Gold said. “So, you can say, this was a day of transformation.”

Pam Lavers, Deputy County Executive and among those who direct the efforts of One Macomb, an initiative designed to focus on drawing people and businesses to Macomb County, said that witnessing that transformation is one of the most satisfying parts of her job.

“We’re working to build a vibrant and diverse community for everyone,” she said. “And this naturalization ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate that with our newest citizens.”

People of all races and religions who, after years of waiting and study, raised their right hands, swore allegiance and became U.S. citizens.

“It’s wonderful,” said Tony Tran of Warren, who attended the ceremony along with his American-born son. Together they were there in honor of Tran’s mother, Hue Nguyen of Vietnam, who sat one row in front of them holding an American flag and a pocket-size version of America’s Declaration of Independence. “She is very happy to do this,” Trans said, while trying to keep his infant son from wiggling out of his arms.

He knows.

He felt it when he became a citizen too, in 1996.

“America is a nation of freedom where, if you work hard, all your dreams can come true,” said Violet Singeorzan of Sterling Heights, looking toward a group of Romanians who also came to America with dreams, including her husband. “I came here from Romania with my parents and my brother. I wanted a future. I finished high school and I worked for two years as a travel agent. Now I’m working in the dentistry industry.”

“America needs good immigrants. If you obey the rules of this country, you will be welcome,” she said.

“Immigration is what makes America great,” said Michael Klinger, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, Detroit Field Office Director, just before the singing of the national anthem and administration of the oath of allegiance by Judge George Caram Steeh of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. “You now have the right to vote. Exercise it. People have fought for that right here.”

Among the county officials who attended the ceremony was Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon.

“This is a very important day in your life, and I’m very, honored to share it with you,” Cannon said. “Whatever brought you here and for whatever reason you are here, you are welcome.”

Smiling at the words spoken by Cannon was Farhana Haaue, 21, and one of several young people who came to America from Bangladesh.